Welcome to the Easter season, a time when we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, a pivotal event that forever changed the course of history. The days following the Resurrection were filled with Jesus appearing to his disciples, confirming his victory over death. His glorious body, bearing wounds yet free from the constraints of space and time, ushered in a new life that we all aspire to one day experience.
Since those early days, God’s plan has not followed the typical model of efficiency. Instead, it has been a relationship-based approach, spreading the Gospel, the “Good News,” to every corner of the world through the testimony of believers. Christianity brought a revolutionary message, revealing a Creator with a mind and a heart, a being of love who became human to offer salvation.
Throughout the centuries, the Christian faith has inspired customs, cultures, and various structures. However, it has also faced significant challenges, particularly during periods of secularization. Despite this, the Church has three possible paths ahead: to conform to the secular world, to engage in a cultural battle, or to return to the pure essence of the faith and proclaim it anew, as Pope Francis has advocated.
Pope Francis’ leadership has been marked by a focus on mercy as the core of the Gospel, emphasizing Christ’s all-encompassing love for humanity. His actions, from washing the feet of prisoners to embracing the marginalized, reflect a deep sense of Christian charity that transcends boundaries.
Francis reminds us that the Church is meant to be a field hospital, offering welcome, healing, and accompaniment, rather than judgment. His legacy can be seen not only in his encyclicals like Laudato si’ and Fratelli tutti, but also in the spiritual renewal that calls for a Church guided by the Holy Spirit, ready to proclaim faith as a beacon of hope in a world thirsty for God.
As we look to the future of the Church, we entrust it to the intercession of Saint Joseph, Saint John Paul II, and Mary. May the next Pope, chosen with mercy and discernment, be a shepherd after Christ’s own heart, leading the Church towards a renewed era of faith and mercy.
